Pediatric Dental health Flashcards
1
Q
What causes dental caries?
A
- oral bacteria (mutans streptococci) metabolize the sugars from dietary carbohydrates into acid
- the acid demineralizes the tooth enamel
- if the cycle of acid production and demineralization continues, the enamel will become weakened and break down into cavity
2
Q
- an infectious and chronic disease that destroys tooth structure leading to loss of chewing function, pain and infection in children upto five years of age
- upper front teeth that are the least protected by saliva are affected first
- moves posterioly as teeth erupt
- most common chronic disase in children
A
Early childhood caries (ECC)
3
Q
when do primary incisors erupt?
A
- 6-12 months
4
Q
first molars erupt at?
A
12 months
5
Q
second molars erupt at?
A
24 months
6
Q
what causes dental caries?
A
- oral bacterial (mutans streptococci) metabolize the sugars from dietary carbohydrates into acid
- the acid demineralizes the tooth enamel
- if the cycle of acid production and demineralization continues, the enamel will become weakened and break down into a cavity
7
Q
- associated with substantially increased risk of ECC
- increased incidence is associated with lower SES, children who are born prematurely, children who have certain congenital defects, maternal infections during pregnancy
A
enamel defects
8
Q
what should a clinician who cannot determine wheter an abnormality in the tooth surface is a defect vs an early cavity?
A
any child with enamel abnormalities is at high risk for caries and should be referred to a dentist for further evaluation
9
Q
first clinical sign of caries
A
- white spots and lines are demineralized areas of enamel
- white spots/white lines typically begin at the gingival margin
- if the disease process is not managed the lesions will progress and the demineralized enamel will break down to frank cavities that appear pale yelloe
- then they will progress to larger brown cavities
10
Q
treatment and referral for white spots?
A
- immediate dental referral should be arranged
- dietary and oral hygiene counseling should be given
- dental can use topical fluroide to reverse arrest lesions
11
Q
- represents areas where loss of enamel has exposed underlying dentin
- anterior upper incisiors are most typically first affected as posterior teeth have not yet errupted
- lesions are initially pale yellow and become progressively darker as they become stained with pigments from food
- teeth may be sensitive to thermal changes and sweet or sour foods or drinks
A
Brown cavitations
12
Q
treatment and referral for brown cavitations?
A
- immediate dental referral should be arranged
- some cavities may need to be restored using fluoride releasing restorative materials
- small enough to not require high speed drills and local anesthesia
- provide dietary and oral hygiene counseling
13
Q
consequences of ECC?
A
- pain
- impaired cheweing and nutrition
- infection
- increased caries in permanent dentition
- school/work absences
- extensive and expensive dental work which often must be completed under general anesthesia
14
Q
- works by inhibiting tooth demineralization, enhancing remineralization, inhibiting bacterial metabolism
- MOA: reducing enamel soluability through incorporation into its structure during tooth development
- primary sources: water fluoridation, dietary supplements
- dietary: fluoride toothpastes, gels, foams, mouthwashes, fluoride varnishes
A
Fluoride
15
Q
- a discoloration of the teeth due to chronic excessive exposure to fluoride during tooth development, cosmetic only does not affect systemic health
- consists of white mottling
A
Fluorosis
